Nigerian Army dismisses viral video alleging poor welfare of troops

The High Command of the Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral video circulating widely on social media and picked up by some mainstream media platforms, in which the footage showed some personnel displaying food items allegedly sent to them by their higher command, suggesting dissatisfaction with the quality and quantity of the food items.

The Army described the video as false and unfounded.

This was contained in a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele.

The statement explained that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered a thorough and detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the viral video, saying that troops’ welfare has remained the topmost priority of the COAS since his assumption of office.

The statement assured that the outcome of the investigation would be made public upon conclusion, in line with the COAS’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The statement reads: “The Nigerian Army notes with concern a misleading and malicious article published by Sahara Reporters on 26 July 2025, falsely claiming that personnel of the Nigerian Army are complaining of delayed promotions and non-increment of pay under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.

“Contrary to the falsehood peddled by Sahara Reporters, promotions in the Nigerian Army are strictly guided by laid-down procedures, merit, availability of vacancies, and other established criteria as captured in the Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) Soldiers/Ratings/Airmen 2024. According to paragraph 04.01 of HTACOS, promotion is granted in recognition of hard work, professionalism, and efficiency.

“Every promotion is subject to stringent conditions such as performance reports, completion of required courses, medical fitness, service duration, and recommendation by a duly constituted Promotion Board.

“Furthermore, paragraphs 04.02 and 04.04 of HTACOS Soldiers provide detailed timelines and criteria for promotion across all ranks, from Private to Army Warrant Officer.

“These regulations are transparent, well-structured, and in line with global military best practices. Every service personnel is aware of these provisions and guidelines. No soldier can bypass these processes, and any change in timeline is strictly tied to these professional standards, not arbitrary decisions or personal discretion as erroneously suggested by the publication.

“It is also important to state that the current Army leadership, under Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare of personnel, including timely promotions, improved living conditions, and entitlements, as vividly explained in his ‘Soldier First Concept’.

“Claims of pay stagnation are completely unfounded, as pay structure adjustments fall under the constitutional purview of the appropriate federal institutions and not within the unilateral control of the Army leadership.

“It is on record that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen OO Oluyede, on assumption of office, doubled the personnel Ration Cash Allowance. He also enhanced the Nigerian Army Welfare Loan Scheme for troops.

“This is aimed at empowering personnel through SME development and asset acquisition with minimum bureaucracy and low interest rates. These are among several other welfare schemes, programmes, and interventions of the Chief of Army Staff aimed at improving the quality of life of personnel and their families.

“Sahara Reporters, known for its anti-military bias and long history of sensationalism, has once again proven to be a platform for discredited voices with malicious intent.

“Their sources remain anonymous because they are either non-existent or unfit to serve the truth. The public is advised to disregard the publication in its entirety, as it lacks both substance and credibility.”

It reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remains a professional and disciplined force, guided by due process, and would not be distracted by propaganda from discredited platforms seeking to destabilise the morale and cohesion of its gallant troops.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE